1. Once again, Solomon addresses his son… a father/son talk.

a. The particular theme of the rest of the chapter is a warning against adultery.

b. In fact, Solomon spends several whole chapters warning his son against adultery. (vs. 24ff.)

c. Interesting isn’t it, that Solomon would spend so much time warning his son in this area—since this is the very area in which his father David fell.

d. No doubt, Solomon saw some of the ripples in his home life which were directly related to his father’s behavior. The kids pay a price.

e. Solomon didn’t want his son to continue that kind of behavior.

2. Evidently both Solomon and his wife (the mother of his son) BOTH warned their son about this evil.

3. Several truths should be noted in this verse.

a. It is the responsibility of BOTH parents to teach the children!
• We often think of training children as the mother’s job… the father is off at work all day.
• Not so in the Bible. In fact, the father is especially singled out in Eph. 6:4! “Fathers… bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!”
• Fathers need to talk to their sons… especially about the subject at hand…adultery.
• But not only the father… the mother too.

b. Each parent will have wisdom in different areas. A wise husband will put to use the unique wisdom of a woman in training children.
• A father may be strong on helping his son avoid temptations…
• A mother may be strong on warning the son about the dangers and sorrows to the home and children when infidelity strikes…
• A father might be strong in nurturing a sense of honor and reputation to be maintained for the Lord.
• A mother might be strong in teaching her sons and daughters HOW to love their spouses…
• With an older son or daughter—both the father and mother might profitably warn about the dangers of infidelity from different perspectives.
• When it comes to the sin of adultery—Solomon wanted his son to remember what he had been taught by BOTH his father and mother.

c. The child is to listen to BOTH parents.
• The son here is commanded to obey the instruction of BOTH mother and father. The writer takes it for granted that both parents are saying the same thing.
• The instructions from mom cannot be contradictory to those of dad or the child is being trained in confusion.
• A wise husband will discuss these issues with his wife—and consider her viewpoint.
• But when it comes to this subject—adultery—there should certainly be agreement!

4. While these laws and instruction in context refers particularly to the sin of adultery, they would also apply to ALL the words of wisdom as found in the book of Proverbs.

a. In other words, it seems that the commandments and laws being drilled into the child’s heart mentioned here have to do with lifelong principles… principles which will govern the rest of their days.

b. The words of wisdom found in Proverbs include: the use of the tongue; the use of money and property; respect for elders; diligence vs. slothfulness; wise use of time; avoiding immorality; avoiding association with foolish men; the pursuit of the knowledge of God; etc.

c. Parents have a responsibility to train a child in wise principles that will set them in a right direction the rest of their lives.

d. Parents have a responsibility to drill these principles of morality and godliness, as deeply as possible into the hearts of their children.

e. Solomon and his wife taught their sons about the evil of adultery…
• In our culture today, our teens need to be taught by dad and mom on this important subject today!
• Don’t leave it to the kids on the corner to teach them… or TV… or the school systems… they are going to get twisted information.
• This is the responsibility of the parents!
• When it came to the subject of sexual immorality, Solomon gave his sons some clear commandments!
• His mother laid down the law!
• We need to be clear too.